Selection of promising pear varieties for cultivation in the conditions of moisture deficiency of the Foothill zone of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic

   Introduction. Global warming has been observed worldwide in recent decades. Lack of moisture has a negative impact on many pear varieties: productivity decreases, and the consumer quality of the fruit deteriorates. Vegetative growth also slows down, weakening the tree as a whole, reducing its stress tolerance. Varieties exhibiting a high level of plasticity in the face of adverse factors possess the greatest drought resistance.

   The goal of the research was to identify promising pear varieties for cultivation in the foothill horticultural zone of Kabardino-Balkaria.

   The objects of the research were 22 variety accessions, including 13 locally bred and 9 introduced varieties.

   The results and methods. All experiments were carried out using standard methods generally accepted in the field of fruit growing. Genotypes demonstrating the greatest tolerance to moisture deficit were identified. These varieties were recognized as suitable for introduction into agricultural practices in the region. A comparative hydrological analysis of leaf tissue demonstrated significant intervarietal variability in water accumulation. Kyure (64 %) and Nart (72 %) winter-ripening varieties demonstrated the highest water content. However, varieties with low hydration levels demonstrated weak resistance to moisture deficit: Lyubimitsa Klappa (59 %), Nalchikskaya Kostyka (55 %), and Talgarskaya Krasavitsa (56 %). However, high water content in pear leaves does not guarantee its resistance to drought conditions.

   Conclusion. Water-holding capacity of leaves and recovery of turgor pressure after dehydration serve as the main indicators of drought tolerance. Having assessed these parameters, the following varieties demonstrated the best results: Lyubimitsa Klappa, Rekordistka, Bere Nalchikskaya, Talgarskaya Krasavitsa, Nart, Kyure, Fevralskaya, Cheget, and Pass Krassan. The listed varieties show a tendency to increase water-holding capacity with decreasing moisture availability. They are of particular interest for cultivation in regions with limited water supplies, as well as for use as parental forms in breeding for drought tolerance.

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